Why do you love your Surge

[Rossko07]

I laughed when I saw the thread title.

Where to start. Seriously I can't see Leatherman making a surge any better then it's current model.

I can't understand what all the hate is about the weight. I carry it on my belt everyday and it never bothers me and I'm not a big bloke.

For what it is, and that is a multitool, my opinion there is none better.

I would like to see an utility blade for those days you have to cut messy/gluey stuff... I think it would also fit well with the versatile / replaceable theme.

You may have a good idea in that. From my view I would never be changing out its current blades but rather add to the versatility of the blade exchanger itself.

A t-shank utility blade would add yet again to the versatility of the surge. Perfect.

I have seen a very long "wave" like blade that someone uses with their surge. Not sure what thread I saw it on though.

[Etherealicer]

I laughed when I saw the thread title.

Where to start. Seriously I can't see Leatherman making a surge any better then it's current model.

I can't understand what all the hate is about the weight. I carry it on my belt everyday and it never bothers me and I'm not a big bloke.

For what it is, and that is a multitool, my opinion there is none better.

I would like to see an utility blade for those days you have to cut messy/gluey stuff... I think it would also fit well with the versatile / replaceable theme.

You may have a good idea in that. From my view I would never be changing out its current blades but rather add to the versatility of the blade exchanger itself.

A t-shank utility blade would add yet again to the versatility of the surge. Perfect.

I have seen a very long "wave" like blade that someone uses with their surge. Not sure what thread I saw it on though.

This would be nice and easy to fix (I think that they already exist).

However, the brilliant part about the blade-exchanger is, that the t-shanks are universally available (see Gerber, where you have more and more trouble to get the U-shanks with hole). So I would prefer if they took a widely accepted blade and put a holder for it in place of the PE-blade. Mostly, because the PE-blade is the easiest to supplement with a folder.

[Syncop8r]

I think the blade exchanger could still be improved a little more to totally eliminate wiggle from non-Leatherman saw blades.

[Aloha]

The weight for me is no issue yet I can understand for others its a deal breaker. If this is the case there are so many other tools so dont spend time with the ones that dont make the cut for you.

I used my old style Surge cause I had it in my truck however I have 5 total.  The blade did wiggle but once it got cutting it was smooth sailing.

It's times like those where not just any MT could be of use.  Swisstool, Spirit, Wave, ST300, Rebar and many other would have to sit that job out.  The blade exchanger is a game changer and matched with the bit driver ( plus accessories ) you have so much capability. 
   
I ask you tell me how much would dedicated tools of the same capacity weight? 

Does your MT use sockets too?
I know using the sockets are limited by how much torque can be applied but I have applied enough to get the job done.  I can also use the sockets to hold the end of the bolt while using another tool to tighten or loosen the nut on the opposite end. 

I'm sure I could modify the adapter to fit into the bit holder and not have to use my extender but it's worked this way so far. 

What about having to carry all that stuff?  I say to you how much would a comparable tool set weight? 

Saw, plexiglass/plastic/woods/metal
Sockets, 5/32 - 1/2
Bits, just the ones I have determined are most needed
Bit Extender
I also carry a strong magnet in case a bit or socket falls I can retrieve it.

Everything fits into the nylon sheath except the sockets.  I also have room on the side of the pouch for my widgy prybar ( thanks Kam ) and a razor blade in the little front area of the pouch.

Talk about a tool box on the belt!

   

[Etherealicer]

@Aloha:

For me the Surge is not the right tool, I know that.
I'm good with a folder + PH1 screwdriver (computers are easy). If I want to go to extremes I add in a CT-29 (primarily required if a Mac is involved). The only thing I'm still missing then is a metal file (Cheap cases sometimes need a bit love), which is covered by a nearby Spirit. But that's way overkill, after all I have a 99.99% office job.

Still I like to get to know this tool a little better because there is a lot of love for it here.

Btw.: Nice setup

[Aloha]

Needless to say I love the Surge and Wave MT's from Leatherman.  I mentioned in my camping thread the Surge was unused in that atmosphere.  I know many use their MTs in the outdoors but mine just sat.  The tool has to fit your purpose or foreseeable purpose for it to make sense.     

I have some issues with the Surge like others do but the compromise are the parts that do shine swing the pendulum in favor of it.

I have a simple belief when it comes to my MTs which is they aren't meant to replace dedicated tools.  It irks me when I hear this comparison brought up. 

My MT is a massive convenience to what I do for a living.  I cannot be bringing in every tool I own on every job "just in case".  Having my MT on my belt solves many problems I encounter, having one that is versatile is all the better.



 

[ducttapetech]

Surge.......nuff said.

On a serious note. If you use your multi sometimes to not at all, the Surge is not for you. If you you are a heavy user,and use it hard, like replaceable cutters, bits, saws, and files and you like OH blades and like big tools, then the Surge just might be you.



These are the some of the reasons why I like it. Also it is built like M48 Patton tank and weighs about just as much as one. And I bet the Surge can take one apart and put it back together too. But for me, its uses and how hard i use my multis makes the weight mean nothing to me. Once you have carried bit a few days and get used to it, it feels weird not having it.
The Surge being a very capable tool on the jobsite and the farm, it holds its own in the woods or wherever. Great for hunting, camping and all kinds of activities.


The Surge when pair with a good knife, gives you tons of options and capabilities.

The Surge IMHO, are worth their weight in gold.



Nate
That's us mobile

[Aloha]

BO and Green just add to the awesomeness. 

[hiraethus]

Reading all these positive experiences with the Surge makes me want to try one. I had a SuperTool 300 but found it too bulky, though the pliers head and cutters were great. I much prefer the Spirit to the Wave, as I feel the Spirit is much better for slipping in my pocket when I need it, but the added flexibility of the bit driver and blade holder over the ST300 (and the SwissTool) might make it worth the extra size.

[Aloha]

They are both great tool IMO. 

[zoidberg]

E have you tried the Gerber EAB?

[Kampfer]

[zoidberg]

Nice find Kampfer. 

[babola]

There's really nothing like Surge in multi-tool World. Some will tell you VSA SwissTool or big SOG is the way to go and swear by their choices, I on the other hand never really fell for either.

Get a Surge, pair it with nice set of accessories and a decent Skinth pouch and call it a day. It's pretty much all you need as far as the portable EDC multi-tool sets are concerned.


 


Cheers!

[Aloha]

Now thats a great looking and very capable setup. 

[Etherealicer]

Surge has failed me now 3 times (it really is not the tool for me, so nothing new on that front). Currently I first try every task with the Surge (even those I would normally use dedicated tools), then I grab whatever MT I think works best and if that still does not work, I go for the dedicated tool.

1st Failing) Grabbing the knurled screws to take the Rebar apart (ended up using the Spirit). This requires both precision (easier with a lighter tool) and strength (easier applied with shorter jaws, that is simple physics).
2nd Failing) Exchanging the gas bottle on my BBQ stove, couldn't open its jaws wide enough (ended up using the MP-600, didn't even bother to try the Spirit)
3th Failing) loosen a screw in a computer, couldn't get to it, the extender was too thick (ended up using my Spirit), this at least is easy remedied, added a extra long (10 cm) PH1 bit to my kit.

It gets more and more obvious that choosing the right tool for you and your environment is critical. And in case of the Surge its also a matter of bringing the right supplements. The Surge is not a Tool, its a Tool-hub

Just for the fun of it I will have it cut some wire when I find the time. I did a little math, the "handle to pivot" / "pivot to wire cutter" ratio favors the Surge over the Mp-600. The lesser handle opening required favors the MP-600. I will try the Spirit, but doubt its a challenger.

[Etherealicer]

E have you tried the Gerber EAB?

I own one, rarely us it. The idea with the cutter is more theoretical to fit the Surges role as Tool-hub (I like that expression ).

[Etherealicer]

There's really nothing like Surge in multi-tool World. Some will tell you VSA SwissTool or big SOG is the way to go and swear by their choices, I on the other hand never really fell for either.

Get a Surge, pair it with nice set of accessories and a decent Skinth pouch and call it a day. It's pretty much all you need as far as the portable EDC multi-tool sets are concerned.

Cheers!

I noticed that the Surge lives of the accessories... working on that
Current load in my Skinth
- Surge
- Metal Saw
- Wood Saw
- Bit extender
- Bit card
- Extra long PH1 bit
- Maglite Solitair LED

That setup makes me jealous and with your pictures you have a nice rural-redneck-urban-modern-crossover chic

[Kampfer]

Nice find Kampfer. 

I just watched it, nice test.

[Demel]

Nice find Kampfer. 

I just watched it, nice test.

 

Makes me want one. Just to say I have the toughest mutli tool around

[buck]

[AimlessWanderer]

With all multitools, the beauty (both in use and in aesthetics) is in the eye of the beholder.

The Surge is a huge lump of a thing with fat splayed handles which means I cannot get full potential from the pliers. I can actually get better gripping and cutting forces with a smaller multitool. The knives are larger than I will ever need, and aren't very society friendly. The saw and file are diminutive and need switching in and out for full diversity of use. The drivers have limited reach/access, and again rely on peripheral equipment to be added/removed to harness the potential of the tool. The tool is too cumbersome when using the smaller drivers. The awl has insufficient taper and is therefore limited when it comes to starting smaller screws or for carefully sizing a hole in leather or plastic. The lobster claw opener and the scissors work well enough. The cost here is prohibitive, but I appreciate that will vary according to location.

The thing I love most about my Surge, is that it doesn't exist - I don't own one. There is nothing about it that appeals to me.

Fair play to all those members who get function and enjoyment from their Surge tools, but from a personal perspective I would MUCH rather be carrying something else. What else, would depend on the circumstances at hand. It's not an awful tool by any means, as many folks find it to be their best choice for general use/carry, but while it's a good choice for some people, it's a very poor choice for many others. If the tool is not working out for you, get rid of it and get something better suited to you and your needs. 

[Rossko07]

Surge has failed me now 3 times (it really is not the tool for me, so nothing new on that front). Currently I first try every task with the Surge (even those I would normally use dedicated tools), then I grab whatever MT I think works best and if that still does not work, I go for the dedicated tool.

1st Failing) Grabbing the knurled screws to take the Rebar apart (ended up using the Spirit). This requires both precision (easier with a lighter tool) and strength (easier applied with shorter jaws, that is simple physics).
2nd Failing) Exchanging the gas bottle on my BBQ stove, couldn't open its jaws wide enough (ended up using the MP-600, didn't even bother to try the Spirit)
3th Failing) loosen a screw in a computer, couldn't get to it, the extender was too thick (ended up using my Spirit), this at least is easy remedied, added a extra long (10 cm) PH1 bit to my kit.

It gets more and more obvious that choosing the right tool for you and your environment is critical. And in case of the Surge its also a matter of bringing the right supplements. The Surge is not a Tool, its a Tool-hub

Just for the fun of it I will have it cut some wire when I find the time. I did a little math, the "handle to pivot" / "pivot to wire cutter" ratio favors the Surge over the Mp-600. The lesser handle opening required favors the MP-600. I will try the Spirit, but doubt its a challenger.

Didn't you start a thread about "what do you love about your surge?" ?

You should stop posting.

[anditsgone]

I am also thinking about getting a surge for edc, but i only pocket carry a MT.
Currently leatherman wave with pocket clip.
So my question is: are there guys that pocket carry the surge?
It is the heaviest MT available so that is a concern for me.
It is almost 100 gram heavier than the wave.

[AimlessWanderer]

I am also thinking about getting a surge for edc, but i only pocket carry a MT.
Currently leatherman wave with pocket clip.
So my question is: are there guys that pocket carry the surge?
It is the heaviest MT available so that is a concern for me.
It is almost 100 gram heavier than the wave.

What is it you want the Surge for that the Wave doesn't do?

[anditsgone]

I am also thinking about getting a surge for edc, but i only pocket carry a MT.
Currently leatherman wave with pocket clip.
So my question is: are there guys that pocket carry the surge?
It is the heaviest MT available so that is a concern for me.
It is almost 100 gram heavier than the wave.

What is it you want the Surge for that the Wave doesn't do?

I use the scissors a lot and really Liked them on my Swisstool.
Coming back to the wave the scissors are a bit silly.
The surge has much more beefy scissors.

[Etherealicer]

Surge has failed me now 3 times (it really is not the tool for me, so nothing new on that front). Currently I first try every task with the Surge (even those I would normally use dedicated tools), then I grab whatever MT I think works best and if that still does not work, I go for the dedicated tool.

1st Failing) Grabbing the knurled screws to take the Rebar apart (ended up using the Spirit). This requires both precision (easier with a lighter tool) and strength (easier applied with shorter jaws, that is simple physics).
2nd Failing) Exchanging the gas bottle on my BBQ stove, couldn't open its jaws wide enough (ended up using the MP-600, didn't even bother to try the Spirit)
3th Failing) loosen a screw in a computer, couldn't get to it, the extender was too thick (ended up using my Spirit), this at least is easy remedied, added a extra long (10 cm) PH1 bit to my kit.

It gets more and more obvious that choosing the right tool for you and your environment is critical. And in case of the Surge its also a matter of bringing the right supplements. The Surge is not a Tool, its a Tool-hub

Just for the fun of it I will have it cut some wire when I find the time. I did a little math, the "handle to pivot" / "pivot to wire cutter" ratio favors the Surge over the Mp-600. The lesser handle opening required favors the MP-600. I will try the Spirit, but doubt its a challenger.

Didn't you start a thread about "what do you love about your surge?" ?

You should stop posting.

Note, its not "What I love about the Surge"

Apologies, I actually censor myself a lot. I could fill pages with what I dislike about it, but I won't. I simply wanted to see other peoples positive perspective to figure out if I missed something.

Then I started using it and the above is simply reported what has happened. I also would like to point out, that I have not given up on the Surge yet.
For me its definitively the wrong tool but I find it a bit disheartening, how poorly it fares.

[Etherealicer]

I am also thinking about getting a surge for edc, but i only pocket carry a MT.
Currently leatherman wave with pocket clip.
So my question is: are there guys that pocket carry the surge?
It is the heaviest MT available so that is a concern for me.
It is almost 100 gram heavier than the wave.

What is it you want the Surge for that the Wave doesn't do?

I use the scissors a lot and really Liked them on my Swisstool.
Coming back to the wave the scissors are a bit silly.
The surge has much more beefy scissors.

I truly think that the Surge should not be pocket carried, even if it fits. For optimal performance, the Surge needs bits, bit-extender, t-shanks... But then I think the same about the Wave so ignore me

[AimlessWanderer]

I am also thinking about getting a surge for edc, but i only pocket carry a MT.
Currently leatherman wave with pocket clip.
So my question is: are there guys that pocket carry the surge?
It is the heaviest MT available so that is a concern for me.
It is almost 100 gram heavier than the wave.

What is it you want the Surge for that the Wave doesn't do?

I use the scissors a lot and really Liked them on my Swisstool.
Coming back to the wave the scissors are a bit silly.
The surge has much more beefy scissors.

The scissors might be a step up, but the saw and file are a couple of steps backwards IMHO. Have you considered adding a Victorinox Compact to your pocket carry instead? Better scissors, toothpick, tweezers, pen, pin, hook and corkscrew for less money and less weight. Just a thought 

[anditsgone]

I am also thinking about getting a surge for edc, but i only pocket carry a MT.
Currently leatherman wave with pocket clip.
So my question is: are there guys that pocket carry the surge?
It is the heaviest MT available so that is a concern for me.
It is almost 100 gram heavier than the wave.

What is it you want the Surge for that the Wave doesn't do?

I use the scissors a lot and really Liked them on my Swisstool.
Coming back to the wave the scissors are a bit silly.
The surge has much more beefy scissors.

The scissors might be a step up, but the saw and file are a couple of steps backwards IMHO. Have you considered adding a Victorinox Compact to your pocket carry instead? Better scissors, toothpick, tweezers, pen, pin, hook and corkscrew for less money and less weight. Just a thought 

That would also be an option.
But i don't like carrying 2 MTs.
I think i will just stick with the wave.
The reason i don't go back to the Swisstool x is that it doesn't has a pocket clip and the pliers are a blunt style pliers and i prefer the needle nose.
Apart from that i can find no reason to stick with the wave.
But those two points are important to me because those are the most used featerus.